Our LIVING Hospice Philosophy

We are proud to be a living Hospice. We strive to provide all Hospice clients with Hospice Philosophical Care; not end-of-life care. Hospice is not about giving up, It’s about living well with an awareness of a life-limiting illness. In fact, research has shown that Hospice can actually increase length of life versus some aggressive treatments! Hospice Philosophy is also about providing comfort and empowerment to the patient, family and caregivers as a unit.

Hospice professionals keep the patient and family involved in important decisions and keeps the focus on comfort and peace of mind. Hospice supports these goals in several important ways:

Pain and Symptom Control

Our Hospice staff integrates state-of-the-art medical and complimentary symptom management techniques. We work with the physician to help you be comfortable while remaining in control of your life. Side effects are managed to keep you as pain-free as possible, yet alert enough to enjoy the family and friends who surround you.

Family Involvement

Through scheduled visits and family meetings, everyone remains informed about your condition and what to expect in the days ahead. Informal opportunities come up on a routine basis as nurses, aides, and volunteers talk with caregivers during routine visits. Family and friends are encouraged to express their feelings and to learn about death and the process of dying. Through family involvement, hospice care brings great support and relieves emotional stress.

Fostering Social and Emotional Health

Confronting the reality of a life-threatening illness can seriously distract you from really LIVING. Our medical holistic counselors social workers and specially-trained volunteers focus on individualized support needs; ranging from coordination of community resources to providing companionship and emotional support. We can assist with letter-writing or phoning a loved one. We can help with running errands or reading a story. Our Make-a-Memory program is a mini-version of the nationally recognized Make-a-Wish program. Foundation funds have been used to support a variety of activities, including family reunions, fall color tours, or just a last summer visit to take a sauna at camp.

Exploring Spirituality

Particular beliefs and practices are never forced on a patient, but the topic of spirituality often comes up as patients and families reflect. Hospice staff and volunteers ask open-ended questions that help your family develop your quality of life wishes, including expressions of gratitude, forgiveness, and other unsaid feelings. Hospice can assist you with legacies, such as recordings, letters, or personal journals. Holistic Counselors can connect you with support for life review and memorial planning, or spiritual ceremonies. Oftentimes, the most meaningful gift is the offering of silent prayer or a listening ear.

Our Vigil Volunteers

During the times that a patient does not have family or friends present, our vigil volunteers are available to provide support and companionship. Our vigil volunteers are a special group of people who offer a peaceful presence and companionship when it is needed.

We are made up of a team of professionals

Our team addresses the needs of the client, family and caregivers as a unit. Our entire team meets every two weeks to discuss and review every facet of the patient’s and family’s comfort and care. Medical issues are presented by the doctors, nurses, and aides. The spiritual, psychosocial and emotional needs are presented by our spiritual and holistic counselors, social workers and volunteers.